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Attendees and non-profit organizations are seen at Vegan Fest in Elsa, Texas on May 11, 2024.
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune

Meatless in South Texas: Thousands flock to vegan festival in Rio Grande Valley

From brisket to carne asada, Texas is known for meat, making this annual gathering in a small Rio Grande Valley town stand out.


Vegan Fest co-founders Canda LePage, 49, and her husband Jim LePage, 48, pose for ap photo in Elsa, Texas on May 11, 2024.
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune
Gerardo Elizondo, 51, prepares vegan food at Vegan Fest in Elsa, Texas on May 11, 2024.
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune
Clarissa Morales, 26, poses for a photo with her daughter Mía Vásquez, 6, at Vegan Fest in Elsa, Texas on May 11, 2024. “We don’t eat red meat. We like vegan food, but I’m not vegan. If it was more affordable I would be.”
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune
Ingrid Monserrat, 35, owner of María Cruz Cuisine, poses for a photo at Vegan Fest in Elsa, Texas on May 11, 2024. “When I became a vegan there wasn’t any restaurants open. So mine was a juice bar and vegan restaurant. I did it [becoming a vegan] because of my own personal health, for the environment, and for the animals.”
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune
Vegan dishes are displayed at Vegan Fest in Elsa, Texas on May 11, 2024.
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune

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